Brendan Rodgers left Celtic midway through the season, and that definitely infuriated the Celtic fans. Rodgers had always maintained that working for Celtic was his dream, but it is clear that he used his years at Celtic Park as a stepping stone for earning a move to the Premier League.
However, Rodgers might make up for his departure by handing Celtic a major boost. Latest reports from the Express conveys that Filip Benkovic could return to Glasgow again for a second loan spell. It is believed that the defender might not get regular playing minutes even next season at the King Power Stadium. Therefore Rodgers could sanction another loan deal for the Croatian centre back.
If something like that goes on to happen, then it would definitely be received well by Celtic fans. Maybe their animosity for the Northern Irish manager might go down a little bit.
Why Benkovic (even on a loan spell) would be a massive signing for Celtic?
The former Dinamo Zagreb defender managed to show his class in the first half of the season for Celtic. The 21-year-old stands in at 6ft3inches and is strong in the air. But that is only just one of his qualities. The defender reads the situation well, and his positioning sense is often brilliant. To top all that, Benkovic is comfortable on the ball which allows him to play out from the back easily.
There is a certain nonchalance in the way he carries himself out on the pitch. We wouldn’t be wrong in saying that the Bhoys fans would have been reminded about their former defender Virgil Van Dijk who is considered by some the best defender in the world right now. Benkovic is not yet at that level, but he certainly gives those vibes whenever he is on the pitch. With Boyata set to depart the club, having Benkovic for another season on loan would be a massive boost for Lennon.
What are the chances of this happening?
Earlier it was assumed that Celtic wouldn’t have any chance of signing the defender. However, recent reports suggest otherwise, and maybe Rodgers might offer the defender as a goodwill gesture to Celtic. We for one think that the defender is ready to take on the challenges of the Premier League.
Benkovic’s first team chances with the Foxes also hinges on Harry Maguire’s situation who is constantly linked with a move to Manchester United. If the English defender stays on for another season at the King Power Stadium then maybe Rodgers might sanction a move for Benkovic to Celtic Park.
